BE OUR GUEST!
Some tips on creating a comfortable space in your home for out-of-town guests
It’s such a nice touch when guests visit and have the privacy of their own designated bedroom. A guest room is a wonderful addition to any home, allowing everyone, including the homeowners, to enjoy outof-town company without having a living room or den pull double duty as a guest bedroom — and, at the same time, affording both parties a little more privacy.
(Provide) fresh bath linens and robes, candles, fresh flowers, a favourite coffee or tea, and interesting reading material ... OLIVER NEWMAN
A guest room is all about ambience. You want the space to feel welcoming and comfortable to a wide range of people. We rounded up two designers and asked their advice on ways to make an inviting guest room.
“The best way to make a guest room inviting is personalization,” said Alain Courchesne, principal designer at Igloo Design. “Frame a photo of you and your house guest together, perhaps away on vacation or at a fun affair, and display it along with some other framed photos in your guest room. Let your guests discover it on their own. It’s a sure way to make them feel fuzzy inside.”
When designing a space for a guest, consider adding thoughtful personal touches. “Fresh bath linens and robes, candles, fresh flowers, a favourite coffee or tea, and interesting reading material” are some suggestions from Oliver Newman, executive vice-president of Yves Delorme.
Think hotel room and bring as many amenities to the room as possible, Courchesne said. “If you’re up for a small reno and your guest room doesn’t have its own bathroom, consider adding a sink. This way your guest can wash up and have a little more privacy.”
Add a small Nespresso machine and a cosy club chair with an ottoman; who doesn’t like a bedroom filled with the scent of morning coffee?
Add a guest book. Leave it perched on an end table or desk. Invite everyone who stays in the room to write a little note before leaving. It will quickly become a fantastic keepsake of all of the visitors you’ve had over the years.
“Right before a guest’s arrival, I make sure the bed is made with decorative pillows, throws and counterpanes,” Newman said. “These finishing touches enhance the focal point of the room — the bed — and make visitors feel right at home.”
“Make sure all of the window coverings in your guest room have a blackout lining so you can offer your house guest total darkness if they desire,” Courchesne added. “This way you have the comfort of knowing they can sleep in peace after a long flight.
“Don’t forget: You’ll feel more confident knowing that your guests are well looked after, and that they have everything they need.”